Metroid [Unlicensed] (SNES) Playthrough
2Playthrough of Metroid, a fan-made NES to SNES port of the original Metroid by Infidelity.
๐ฏThe playthrough collects all items and includes the best ending.
Enhancements compared to the original NES game includes:
๐ฏ Improved audio through MSU-1 support
๐ฏ Choose between the soundtracks Metroid 1 NTSC, Metroid 1 FDS, Metroid Zero Mission, and the arranged score by VG Music Revisited
๐ฏ 3-slot save system
๐ฏ Maps
๐ฏ New gameplay ending
๐ฏ Better visuals and improved performance (reduced slowdown, less sprite flicker)
Infidelityโs homebrew port of Metroid for the Super Nintendo is a fan-made recreation of the 1986 NES original. The project preserves the core gameplay of the original while introducing features that take advantage of the SNES hardware. These include MSU-1 audio support, a modern save system, expanded controller options, and smoother visual performance.
The gameplay remains faithful to the original Metroid, focusing on exploration, resource management, and the discovery of power-ups that allow access to new areas. The map layouts, enemy designs, and boss battles are carried over intact, ensuring that the core experience of the NES version is preserved. Enhancements include the ability to save progress with multiple save files instead of relying on passwords, optional MSU-1 audio for upgraded music, and the use of additional controller buttons, such as mapping missiles to the shoulder buttons. These additions make the game more accessible without changing its fundamental design.
Visually, the port benefits from the SNES hardware by reducing sprite flicker and slowdown, resulting in smoother performance during more demanding scenes. The original artwork is retained, but with small refinements that improve clarity. Rather than redesigning levels or altering the aesthetic, the changes focus on polish and stability, keeping the look and feel of the original intact.
The portโs main strengths lie in its preservation of the originalโs atmosphere and gameplay while providing modern conveniences. The addition of save files removes one of the more frustrating aspects of the NES version, while the improved performance makes for a cleaner and more enjoyable playthrough. Controller refinements also make gameplay less cumbersome.
However, the design limitations of the original remain. The game still relies heavily on exploration without an in-game map, which can make navigation difficult for players more accustomed to later entries in the series. The punishing difficulty, reliance on backtracking, and occasional trial-and-error gameplay are preserved as well. Additionally, being a fan project, it requires proper setup through emulation or hardware that supports the SNES MSU-1 features, meaning that the experience may vary for some players.
Overall, Infidelityโs SNES port of Metroid is a faithful yet enhanced version of the classic. It succeeds in reducing technical issues and adding quality-of-life improvements while keeping the core gameplay unchanged. For fans of the series or those interested in retro game preservation, it provides an appealing way to experience the original in a more polished and accessible format.